Motorcycle protective apparel

ABSTRACT

A protective apparel is provided. The protective apparel includes a tubular sleeve formed of a protective material. The tubular sleeve includes an upper rim forming an upper opening and a lower rim forming a lower opening opposite the upper opening. The tubular sleeve is sized to cover a substantial portion of a user&#39;s arm. The present invention further includes an elbow padding disposed at an elbow portion of the tubular sleeve in between the upper opening and the lower opening. The present invention may be worn by a user to protect their arms while riding on a motorcycle without wearing a heavy jacket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to motorcycle protective apparel and, more particularly, to sleeves that protect the arms of a motorcyclist.

Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of leather or specialized man-made fabrics like CORDURA® or KEVLAR®. These jackets typically include heavy padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. The protective jackets may be uncomfortably hot during the summer months due to the thick and heavy duty materials.

As can be seen, there is a need for motorcycle protective apparel that is comfortable in warmer weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a protective apparel comprises: a tubular sleeve formed of a protective material and comprising an upper rim forming an upper opening and a lower rim forming a lower opening opposite the upper opening, wherein the tubular sleeve is sized to cover a substantial portion of a user's arm; and an elbow padding disposed at an elbow portion of the tubular sleeve in between the upper opening and the lower opening.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded section view of the present invention along line 4-4 in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention along line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes protective riding apparel for the protection of the forearm and elbow region. The present invention provides protection for bicycling and motorcycling during the hot months of the riding season. The present invention is lighter and smaller in overall size than a motorcycle jacket. Further, in certain embodiments the present invention may provide reflection during evening/night riding and may include a pocket for credit cards, driver's license, change and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention includes protective apparel 10. The protective apparel 10 includes a tubular sleeve 15 formed of a protective material. The tubular sleeve 15 includes an upper rim forming an upper opening and a lower rim forming a lower opening opposite the upper opening. The tubular sleeve 15 is sized to cover a substantial portion of a user's arm. The present invention further includes an elbow padding 16 disposed at an elbow portion of the tubular sleeve 10 in between the upper opening and the lower opening. The present invention may be worn by a user to protect their arms while riding on a motorcycle without wearing a heavy jacket.

When worn by a user, the tubular sleeve 15 may run from just below the user's shoulder to the user's wrist. As mentioned above, the tubular sleeve 15 is formed of a protective material. The protective material is formed to prevent injury, such as scrapes, during a motorcycle accident. For example, the protective material may include at least one of SPENDURA® (Cordura fibers spun around a Lycra core), a denim, a leather, a nylon, and a para-aramid fiber.

The elbow padding 16 of the present invention may be formed of a rigid material, such as a rigid polymer. The rigid polymer may be plastic, rubber or the like. In certain embodiments, the elbow padding 16 may include an indent disposed along a center portion. Therefore, a user may bend their elbow with greater ease.

As mentioned above, the elbow padding 16 may be disposed at an elbow portion of the tubular sleeve 10. In certain embodiments, an inner pocket 18 may be formed on an inner surface of the tubular sleeve 10. The inner pocket 18 may be sized and shaped to receive the elbow padding 16 within. Therefore, the user may insert the elbow padding 16 into the pocket when the tubular sleeve 15 is in use, and remove the elbow padding 16 when the user washes the tubular sleeve 15.

In certain embodiments, an outer pocket 12 may be formed on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve 10. The outer pocket 12 may form an opening leading into the pocket 12. In such embodiments, a user may store wallets, bank cards, cash, identification cards, driver's license and the like within the outer pocket 12 while riding a motorcycle.

The present invention may further include reflective material 14. The reflective material 14 may be disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve 15. In certain embodiments, the reflective material 14 may be in the form of stitching. In certain embodiments, the reflective material 14 may be in the shape of a band encircling the tubular sleeve 15 so that the reflective material 14 may be viewed from any angle. In certain embodiments, a top reflective band may be disposed near the upper opening and a bottom reflective band may be disposed near the bottom opening. The reflective material 14 may provide visual protection to the rider when driving a motorcycle at night.

In certain embodiments, the tubular sleeve 15 tapers from the elbow portion to the lower rim. Therefore, the tubular sleeve 15 may fit snuggly about a user's upper and lower arm. In certain embodiments, a slit may be formed at the lower rim and may run towards the elbow portion. A connector 20 may be operable to open and close the slit. The connector 20 of the present invention may include a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, snap buttons, ties, clips and the like. The connector 20 may be used to snuggly tighten a wrist portion of the tubular sleeve 15 to the user's wrist.

The present invention may further include an inner sleeve 22. The inner sleeve 22 may also include a tubular shape having an upper rim forming an upper opening and a lower rim forming a lower opening opposite the upper opening. The inner sleeve 22 may have similar dimensions as the tubular sleeve and is sized to cover a substantial portion of a user's arm. The inner sleeve 22 may also taper from an elbow portion to the lower rim. The inner sleeve 22 may be made of a breathable cloth material and may be used for comfort.

To use the present invention, the inner sleeve 22 is first pulled over the user's arm. The elbow padding 16 may be placed within the inner pocket 18. The tubular sleeve 15 is then pulled over the inner sleeve 22. The zipper 20 is then closed to tighten the tubular sleeve 15 to the user's arm. Any personal possessions may be placed in the outer pocket 12. The user is thereby protecting their arms while riding on a motorcycle without wearing a heavy jacket.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A protective apparel comprising: a tubular sleeve formed of a protective material and comprising an upper rim forming an upper opening and a lower rim forming a lower opening opposite the upper opening, wherein the upper rim and the lower rim each form an end of the garment, wherein the tubular sleeve is adapted to cover a user's arm; a reflective material attached to an outer surface of the tubular sleeve and in a shape of a band encircling the tubular sleeve; and an elbow padding disposed at an elbow portion of the tubular sleeve in between the upper opening and the lower opening.
 2. The protective apparel of claim 1, wherein the protective material is at least one of a denim, a leather, a nylon, and a para-aramid fiber.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The protective apparel of claim 1, wherein the padding is formed of a rubber.
 5. The protective apparel of claim 4, wherein the elbow padding further comprises an indent disposed along a center portion.
 6. The protective apparel of claim 1, further comprising an inner pocket formed on an inner surface of the tubular sleeve, wherein the elbow padding is disposed within the inner pocket.
 7. The protective apparel of claim 1, further comprising an outer pocket formed on the outer surface of the tubular sleeve.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The protective apparel of claim 1, wherein the tubular sleeve tapers from the elbow portion to the lower rim.
 10. The protective apparel of claim 9, wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a slit formed at the lower rim and running towards the elbow portion, and a connector operable to close and open the slit.
 11. The protective apparel of claim 10, wherein the connector is a zipper.
 12. The protective apparel of claim 1, further comprising an inner sleeve formed of a cloth material and disposed within the tubular sleeve. 